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Lot 197
AUDEMARS PIGUET, ROYAL OAK REF. 5402 C SERIES, A RARE STEEL AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH
CASE NUMBER: C 1895
Closed26 October 2022
Estimate
USD 60,000–100,000
More Information
Specialist note
Audemars Piguet introduced the Royal Oak in 1972 and it was a game-changer for the luxury watch industry. Based upon a design by Gerald Genta, the Royal Oak was the first luxury steel watch with integrated bracelet. Priced at a level above gold watches, it was a polarising watch and it was unknown whether it would be a success.
However, the watch quickly gained popularity and the first 2,000 in the "A-Series" sold out. Audemars Piguet then made additional watches in the "B-Series" and "C-Series", with all being numbered on the case back. This particular example comes from the "C-Series", but features a service dial with "AP" located at 12 o'clock. On the A and B series, the AP logo was placed at the bottom, above the 6 o' clock position.
An icon of watch design, the original Royal Oak reference 5402ST continues to gain popularity with collectors. This example is notable for its original condition and the fact it has the same dial as found on the original A-Series Royal Oaks
However, the watch quickly gained popularity and the first 2,000 in the "A-Series" sold out. Audemars Piguet then made additional watches in the "B-Series" and "C-Series", with all being numbered on the case back. This particular example comes from the "C-Series", but features a service dial with "AP" located at 12 o'clock. On the A and B series, the AP logo was placed at the bottom, above the 6 o' clock position.
An icon of watch design, the original Royal Oak reference 5402ST continues to gain popularity with collectors. This example is notable for its original condition and the fact it has the same dial as found on the original A-Series Royal Oaks